JOHNSON COUNTY – Johnson County could spend millions to improve the current jail if voters say no to a new justice center.

This morning, the Johnson County Supervisors discussed potential jail improvements.

They say they’d have to take care of a number of security concerns, but the primary focus would be fixing the jail’s deteriorating locking system. The improvements would not increase jail space.

The supervisors say that’s one reason they hope voters will passed the $43.5 million bond issue for a new justice center next month.

County Chairperson Janelle Rettig said, “This is a security issue, so one way or another we will be investing either significant money into the old jail or into the new jail,” county chairperson Janelle Rettig said. “But if we invest in the old jail, we’ll still be moving inmates to other counties.”

The special election on the justice center is on May 7. Voters turned down a larger bond issue last November.